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| ~ Tenuta di Arceno ~ |
Tenuta di Arceno is the lone representative Italian winery in the larger Kendall Jackson Wine Family Portfolio. But as with many things Old World, it’s roots go way beyond Jackson’s acquisition in 1994.
The first recordings of Tenuta di Arceno were in 1504 when the Del Taja’s, an Etruscan family, began purchasing plots that today form the estate. The Del Taja’s owned the property until the 1800’s when the sold the land to the famous Montalcinese family, the Piccolomini’s. In 1994, Jess Jackson purchased the estate.
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| ~ All of Tenuta di Arceno’s vineyards have been replanted and many of them are now approaching 20 years of age ~ |
Tenuta di Arceno spans almost 2,500 acres, of which 220 are planted to vines. Soils and elevation vary greatly, with the latter shifting by almost 1,000 feet at its extremes and the former consisting of clay, sand, sandstone, and basalt. Extensive vineyard analysis was conducted prior to replanting and many different micro climates on the estate were identified. The results of these efforts are now being rewarded.
The estate sits in southern Chianti Classico, in Castelnuovo Berardenga, at the fork of the rivers Ambra and Ombrone. It is from this “point of origin” that the estate takes it’s name. The ancient Etruscan word for point of origin is “Arche” – the point where the Ombrone begins its flow to the Mediterranean.
Today we’re focusing on one of Tenuta di Arceno’s flagship reds. The 2008 Valadorna is a Merlot centric blend sourced from a single vineyard on the estate with some of the oldest vines contributing to the wine. 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet, 12% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot combine to be 100% delicious.
This deep ruby to violet wine explodes aromatically from the glass. Flowers, warm clay, rich tobacco leaf and anise lead into an array of black fruits that entice the taster to enjoy the wine. On the palate, this is ripe and seductive, with layers of juicy fruit complimented by ancillary characteristics that mimic the aromas. The finish is long and silky, with powdery tannins and palate refereshing acidity that make your mouth water for another taste. One of the best 2008s I’ve tasted from the entire vintage. The negative is the price. This is no bargain, but at least it delivers the goods. 95 points, about $60. Drink now or cellar worry free for 3-5 more years.
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| ~ A drop dead lovely wine from Tenuta di Arceno. Winemaker Lawrence Cronin hit the mark with this juicy Merlot blend ~ |
Salute!
John, sounds wonderful, but I've not seen this! 🙁
However "worry free" is what I like to hear, so, I've got time to find it!!!!
Hey Dennis, this is the only time I've seen this wine locally. It's funny, I can't recall where I bought it, and now it appears to be gone. Anyway, Tenuta di Arceno doesn't have nearly as good distribution as I'd expect. I've never seen this wine or Arcanum prior to this and only one or two times have I run across their range of Chianti Classicos. They're more modern, but the wines are good. Generally, my biggest gripe is the pricing. Even the CC's are too high relative to similar quality wines (Fontodi, Felsina, Monteraponi, Castello di Bossi)
Cheers!